Comparative analysis of dose-dependent changes in hemodynamic parameters in rats of different ages following subchronic lead acetate exposure

Introduction. Lead is considered to be a ubiquitous poison that pollutes both industrial and residential areas. Exposure to lead and its compounds has a negative impact on developing and mature organisms, potentially leading to cardiovascular changes.

Material and methods. The experiment was conducted on outbred male albino rats aged 3 to 4 weeks (24 rats, mean body weight: 41.96 ± 1.59 g) and 12 months (27 rats, mean body weight: 439.26 ± 5.77 g). Lead acetate trihydrate (Pb(CH₃COO)₂ ∙ 3H₂O) was administered intraperitoneally thrice a week for 6 weeks at the doses of 5.50, 11.00, and 22.88 mg/kg b.w. Sterile saline solution was administered to control animals. The hemodynamic parameters measured included systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, and MAP), heart rate (HR) during pressure measurement, tail artery blood flow, and tail vein blood volume.

Results. We observed a statistical decrease in SAP in the adult rats administered 11.00 mg/kg b.w. of lead acetate. Pulse pressure also decreased significantly following moderate and high exposures in the adult rats and high exposure in the young rodents. HR decreased significantly only in the adult group. The tail artery blood flow dropped only in the young rats following the exposure doses of 11.0 and 22.88 mg/kg b.w. The tail vein blood volume decreased in both young (11.0 and 22.88 mg/kg b.w.) and adult (5.50; 11.00 and 22.88 mg/kg b.w.) animals compared to the controls.

Limitations. All animals were of the same sex.

Conclusion. Lead acetate had a negative impact on both young and adult rats. A dose-dependent effect was observed for tail artery blood volume only. Presumably, the mechanism of toxic effects of lead on hemodynamics may be associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and arginine vasopressin, as well as direct damage to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection of Industrial Workers of Rospotrebnadzor (protocol No. 3 of January 17, 2024). The study was conducted in accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (ETS N 123) and with the Directive 2010/63/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes.

Authors’ contribution:
Sutunkova M.P. – study concept and design, scientific editing;
Minigalieva I.A. – study concept and design, scientific editing;
Gertan N.A. – data collection and processing, statistical analysis, text writing;
Nikogosyan K.M. – data collection and processing, editing.
All co-authors – approval of the final version of the article and are responsible for the integrity of all its parts.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no apparent and potential conflicts of interest in relation to the publication of this article.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: May 25, 2025 / Revised: November 6, 2025 / Accepted: March 27, 2026 / Published: April 30, 2026

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